The Nebraska Health and Human Services System (NHHSS) is responsible for safeguarding public health in this midwestern state, famous for its cornfields and agricultural production. NHHSS responsibility includes preparing for and responding to catastrophic events that might affect the public's health. During such an event (e.g., a devastating tornado or flood), NHHSS personnel would work with the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to receive and distribute medical supplies and medicines from CDC's Strategic National Stockpile (SNS), a national repository maintained for just that purpose.